§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what in 1985 prices was the value of(a) the single payment budget and (b) the community care grants budget in 1995–96. [42250]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe value of single payments in 1985 was £308 million, while planned expenditure on community care grants in 1995–96, which in cash terms will be £97 million, expressed in 1985 prices represents £62 million.
The social fund offers much better value for money for the taxpayer than the old single payments scheme. Its discretionary nature ensures that payments are targeted on those most in need, while the recycling of loan repayments has enabled the fund to grow with each successive year; over £1.5 billion worth of loans have been made since the start of the fund for a net outlay of only £329 million.